HIV/AIDS Symptoms for early stage
During acute HIV infection, some people may experience flu-like symptoms 2-4 weeks after HIV infection. The symptoms may last for a few days to several weeks, which may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Rash
- Night sweats
- Muscle pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sore throat
- Mouth ulcers
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
These symptoms are non-specific and not everyone will exhibit symptoms during acute HIV infection. Around 50% of AIDS-infected people have no acute symptoms in the initial stage. If you suspect that you have been in contact with a high-risk HIV infection within 72 hours, you can consider an emergency course of PEP treatment to prevent HIV infection.
If you think you have been exposed to HIV, the only way to know for sure is to get HIV tested.
How to deal with HIV Results
If you tested positive for HIV, you should consult a doctor and get started on ART as soon as possible.
If you tested negative for HIV, you may consider taking preventive measures to prevent HIV infection, such as practice safe sex, and the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
People in the chronic HIV infection state usually show no symptoms.
The use of ART during chronic HIV infection and maintaining an undetectable viral load can prevent damage to the immune system and reduce the risk of transmission to others. Regular monitoring of CD4 count and viral load is vital for all people living with HIV.
If left untreated, most people will slowly progress to AIDS within 10-15 years.
Untreated HIV infection
It will slowly destroy the immune system, eventually leading to AIDS. Patients with AIDS are prone to developing a number of opportunistic infections, which the symptoms include:
- Severe weight loss
- Recurrent fever
- Extreme tiredness
- Prolonged diarrhea
- Pneumonia
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sores/ulcers around the mouth, genital area or anus.
- Appearance of red or purple skin nodules
